Taoist Inner Alchemy in Samothraki
Home of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods
Retreat Dates
22–29 May 2027
Arrival: Friday 21 May
Course starts: Saturday 22 May at 9:00 am
Course finishes: Saturday 29 May at 5:00 pm
Online Orientation
Saturday 8 May 2027 | 8:00 am–12:00 pm UK time
A four-hour online orientation will take place before the retreat.
A recording of the orientation will also be provided.
Workshop Overview:
Fusion of the Five Elements I, II & III, Lesser, Greater and Greatest Kan and Li with Andrew Jan, PhD
Join Andrew Jan, PhD, senior Universal Healing Tao instructor, author and teacher of Taoist internal alchemy, together with host Kostas Kapelas, MSc, Head Practitioner at Total Health Now Clinic, for six teaching days exploring the higher meditation practices of the Universal Healing Tao system.
The retreat will introduce and review practices from Fusion of the Five Elements through Lesser, Greater and Greatest Kan and Li. The emphasis will be on direct meditation practice, understanding the internal alchemical framework, and developing sensitivity to the different qualities of bodily, emotional and environmental energy.
The practices will be conducted in natural light, with participants able to use eye masks where appropriate to reduce external visual stimulation and deepen inward attention.
Connections with Ancient Greek Traditions on Samothraki
As part of the Taoist approach to understanding the connections between different traditions, we will also explore parallels between Taoist internal alchemy and ancient Greek spiritual and alchemical practices where appropriate. Selected concepts will be presented using their original Greek terminology, together with historical references and illustrations where available. This will provide an additional cultural and historical perspective, helping participants connect more deeply with the unique history and spiritual heritage of Samothraki while embodying these shared principles through practice.
Orientation Day - Online 8 May 8am-12pm UK Time
Approximately two weeks before the Samothraki retreat, a four-hour online introductory session is planned, particularly for participants who are new to Taoist practices. This session will introduce the fundamental practices, key concepts and terminology, helping participants become familiar with the foundations needed for the more advanced teachings during the retreat.
Day 1 - Fusion of the Five Elements I (Intensive) – 22 May
Begin with the foundations of Taoist internal alchemy. Participants will explore ways of identifying and working with the forces of nature and their corresponding bodily energies, moving from fragmentation to the polarity of yin and yang towards a glimpse of the state described in Taoist practice as ‘Oneness’.
• Cultivating the Eight Forces: Water, Fire, Thunder, Lake, Earth, Mountain, Wind and Heaven
• Blending the Five Elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal
• Working with polarity of Yin and Yang within the lower elixir field and the movement towards Oneness
Day 2 - Fusion II & III (Intensive)
Fusion II
Continue the process through the Thrusting and Belt Channels.
• Developing compassion through integration of the elemental and organ energies with their corresponding virtues
• Opening the Central Thrusting Channels, which within this system may be associated with ancestral patterns
• Working with the Belt Channels, often explored in relation to accumulated psychological and emotional tensions
Fusion III (Intensive) – afternoon
Complete the introduction to the Eight Extraordinary Psychic Meridians.
• Opening the Bridge and Regulator Channels (the Yin Wei, Yang Wei, Yin Heel and Yang Heel channels)
• Exploring their traditional associations with the past, one's sense of direction and being more comfortable within oneself and the world we find us in.
• Using Advanced Taoist meditation formulas to reduce residual tension and prepare for Kan and Li and later internal alchemical work
Day 3 - Rest Day 24th May
Optional cultural activities, excursions and hiking activities will be available.
Day 4 - Lesser Kan and Li (Intensive) – 25 May
Water and Fire coupling in the lower cauldron
This one-day intensive or refresher introduces the lower Tan Tien cauldron and the main processes associated with Lesser Kan and Li.
• Working with the hollow and solid organs and their associated energetic and emotional patterns and meridians.
• Exploring the Taoist imagery of clearing blockages and progressively making the bodily field feel lighter, more open or less solid
• Moving beneath the emotional layer towards the instinctive totem animal, the untainted child, and the souls and spirits
• Exploring the traditional process through which the souls and spirits are brought together in the formation of the spiritual body or “Foetus"
Day 5 - Greater Kan and Li (Intensive) – 26 May
Water and Fire coupling in the solar plexus cauldron
Greater Kan and Li moves the practice to the solar plexus cauldron and introduces broader states of awareness.
• Working with the solar plexus cauldron and exploring a sense of awareness extending beyond the usual boundaries of the body
• Introducing meditative experiences and imagery associated with subterranean and mid-plane flight
• Extending awareness and connection towards the planets, moons and Sun of our solar system
• Exploring how these wider fields of awareness are incorporated into the internal alchemical process
Day 6 - Rest Day- 27 May
Optional cultural activities, excursions and hiking activities will be available.
Day 7- 8 Greatest Kan and Li - 28-29th May
Water and Fire coupling in the heart cauldron
Greatest Kan and Li move the practice to the heart cauldron, developing a warmer and more loving quality of inner fire.
Participants will work with awareness of the beating heart and circulatory system and explore the relationship between rhythm and deep stillness.
At this level, the meditations progressively extend beyond the individual body to connect with the constellations. Participants will be introduced to practices involving the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches and to meditations in which awareness is expanded towards the wider visible universe, before returning again towards stillness.
Daily Teaching Schedule (approximate)
9:00 am–12:00 pm — Teaching
12:00–2:00 pm — Lunch & personal time
2:00–5:00 pm — Teaching
Optional Activities
The two rest days, 24 and 27 May, will provide time to relax and explore Samothraki. Optional cultural activities, excursions and hiking activities will be available a small additional fee. A detailed itinerary will be provided closer to the retreat once we have a clearer idea of participant numbers and transportation requirements.
Please note:
• The retreat will be limited, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The retreat will also include two online sessions: a “Meet and Greet” before the retreat and a “Reunion” afterwards.
• The programme contains six teaching days and two scheduled rest and integration days.
About Us
Andrew Jan has practised and taught within the Universal Healing Tao tradition for more than 30 years and has participated in more than 20 intensive darkroom retreats, principally as a senior instructor.
During this retreat Andrew will be teaching in his role as a Taoist practitioner and instructor. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Professor with the School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, and practises as a medical acupuncturist.
His Master's thesis explored Taoist and Christian mysticism, while his PhD examined the role of acupuncture for pain control in the Emergency Department.
His previous books include: Greater Kan and Li, Greatest Kan and Li, Tai Chi Wu Style, Fa Jin and The Sexual Basis of Mystical Vision.
His forthcoming books include: Ecstatic Spirit Flight – The Congress of Heaven and Earth and The Grand Completion – The Reunion of Tao and Humanity.
Website: www.andrewjan.com.au
Kostas Kapelas, Co-Founder and Head Practitioner at Total Health Now®️ Clinic, has a deep connection to Samothraki, having explored the island extensively. He is also developing a permanent wellness centre there, making this retreat part of a broader mission to promote healing and wellbeing.
With over 17 years of experience, Kostas has supported more than 1,000 clients in taking control of their health by addressing the root causes of their health challenges rather than simply managing symptoms. His approach focuses on helping people improve their energy, sleep, digestion, skin health, hormonal balance, and stress levels, while optimising their overall health, wellbeing, and longevity.
Website: www.totalhealthnow.co.uk
In 6 days you will:
Getting to Samothraki
The island is reached via a ferry from Alexandroupoli (about 2 hours). Alexandroupoli is easily accessible by plane from Athens, or by bus or train from Thessaloniki. It is also possible to arrive from Istanbul, though please note this route may take longer due to border control procedures. Once on Samothraki, local transport and taxis can take you to the retreat.
Accommodation
You are welcome to stay anywhere on Samothraki. Once you have booked, we will share details of the hotel where the training will take place, as we have secured a discounted rate for participants. The training will take place according to the schedule outlined above.
Meals
Breakfast is included for participants staying at Samothraki Village Hotel as part of the special retreat accommodation rate. Lunch and dinner may be available to pre-book directly with the hotel, normally one day in advance or eat at the local restaurants. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided during scheduled morning and afternoon breaks on course days at no extra cost.
This retreat offers an opportunity to practise the Fusion and Kan and Li meditation sequences in depth within the distinctive natural and historical landscape of Samothraki. It is intended both for practitioners wishing to review these methods and for those ready to explore the higher internal alchemical practices of the Universal Healing Tao system.
Course Pricing
Booking & Payment
A £295 booking deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining balance must be paid by 1 February 2027. Bookings made on or after this date must be paid in full at the time of booking.
This early payment deadline is necessary because the retreat involves international teachers travelling from Australia and the UK, requiring advance programme planning and other commitments.
Bank transfer is our preferred payment method. Bank details will be provided when your booking is confirmed. Debit or credit card payments can be made via a secure payment link on request.
Cancellation
The £295 booking deposit is normally non-refundable, subject to applicable consumer law.
If you cancel before 1 February 2027, any amount paid above the £295 deposit will be refunded.
From 1 February 2027, we may retain an amount from payments made to cover reasonable costs and losses resulting from your cancellation, taking into account any costs we can avoid and whether your place can be filled by another participant. Any amount retained will be limited to our reasonable losses and remains subject to your statutory rights.
Unable to Attend in Person?
If you have booked an in-person place but are unable to travel to Samothraki, you may request to transfer to online attendance. Where this occurs after 1 February 2027, any refund of the difference between the in-person and online price will take into account costs and commitments already incurred.
Travel & Accommodation
Flights, ferries, accommodation, transfers, meals and optional activities are not included unless otherwise stated and must be arranged and paid for separately.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking, including cancellation, medical and travel-disruption cover. Participants are responsible for their own passports, visas, insurance and other travel requirements.
If the Retreat Is Cancelled
If the organisers cancel the retreat and it does not take place, retreat fees paid to us will be refunded.
We are not responsible for independently booked flights, accommodation, ferries, transfers or other travel costs. Participants should therefore ensure their travel insurance provides appropriate cancellation and disruption cover.
Nothing in these terms affects any statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded or restricted.
By booking and making payment, you confirm that you have read and accepted these Booking, Payment & Cancellation Terms.
Testimonials
I attended the Five Elements One Tao Retreat in Samothraki, Greece, organised by Kostas and Lana of Total Health Now, and taught by Andrew Jan. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough.
Kostas and Lana went above and beyond in every aspect of the organisation. They recommended a beautiful resort in Samothraki, close to the ocean, and negotiated excellent hotel prices on our behalf both of which made a real difference to the overall experience. Kostas also arranged reliable taxi services throughout, driving back and forth to ensure everyone had what they needed. He did all of this with patience, genuine kindness, and a consistent smile. Whatever was needed, Kostas found a way to make it happen. That quality of human warmth and practical dedication in the organisation of a retreat is rare and enormously appreciated.
The retreat was taught by Andrew Jan, whose depth of knowledge and quality of presence as a teacher created the conditions for a genuinely meaningful experience. The Five Elements practice, the Qigong sessions, and the meditations were delivered with clarity and care. The structure of the days was well balanced, with clear timetables, morning and afternoon sessions, and a thoughtful rest day built in after the third day. The preparation materials provided in advance were also genuinely useful.
Samothraki itself is an extraordinary location — ancient, powerful, and unlike anywhere I have practised before. The visit to the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, where Andrew led a meditation, was one of the most memorable experiences of the entire retreat.
I returned home feeling lighter, clearer, and more rested than I had felt in a long time. The experience has continued to work in me since returning and that lightness has stayed with me. That is the mark of a retreat genuinely well designed and genuinely well delivered.
Thank you Kostas, Lana, Andrew and Tao. I would attend again without hesitation and would recommend this to anyone looking for a retreat of real depth and quality.
Joan F.
The retreat in Samothraki was truly one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. I honestly hadn't expected it to be quite so extraordinary.
Samothraki itself is a magical island, rich in ancient history, natural beauty and a unique atmosphere that feels almost multidimensional.
What made the experience even more special was the wonderful group of like-minded people from all over the world. There was such a lovely sense of connection, openness and shared discovery.
The explorations, excursions and opportunities to immerse ourselves in the local culture were fantastic. Everything was so thoughtfully organised, from the beautiful hotel and delicious food to the genuine care and attention we received throughout.
I came away feeling energised, inspired and deeply grateful. It was a truly enriching, uplifting and life-affirming experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Zoe C.
The organisation of this retreat was fantastic. Both Kostas and Lana did a great job, and the transportation of participants was very well organised, as were the sightseeing activities. We felt very, very blessed.
I would like to say that this retreat exceeded my expectations in ways I had not anticipated. I arrived needing rest and curious about the Five Elements teaching. What I found was a practice of genuine depth, a teacher of rare quality, and a group of people whose warmth and authenticity made the experience richer than it would have been alone. I am grateful to Andrew for his teaching, to Kostas and Tao for their care in organising everything, and to the group for the quality of presence they brought. I would attend a future retreat without hesitation and would recommend this experience to anyone who is genuinely ready to go beyond the surface of what a retreat can offer.
Loved it on the whole!
Mark R.
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